Jarrett gives a telescope presentation.

WARSAW — When it comes to dreams at Warsaw Community Schools, the sky is the limit — literally. Students and staff are taking their love of astronomy to new heights through the use of the school’s very own observatory.

When Harrison Elementary School second-grade teacher Rick Glass first began meeting with students during lunch, a total of nine knowledge-hungry pupils comprised the Harrison Elementary Junior Astronomical Society. Today, 56 students meet every other Monday after school to study the stars and planets with  Glass and fifth grade teacher Ed Jarrette, both of the Warsaw Astronomical Society.

Though the club has enjoyed telescopes, binoculars and other moveable equipment since its inception, a new addition has left students with stars in their eyes. On Thursday, Oct. 15, Harrison unveiled the new Harrison Junior Astronomical Society Observatory. According to Glass, to his knowledge, the school is one of two elementary schools in the stated to have its own observatory.

The building, which measures 10×14 feet, features a slide-off roof. This roof rolls out to reveal an 8″ Meade LX200 telescope. The telescope is fitted with a 130 millimeter refractor to utilize for astrophotography. Jarrett noted the telescope has the capability to automatically find numerous constellations and planetary objects and is fully digital.

According to Glass, though one dream for the club has come to fruition, there are still many being developed. Glass noted the club hopes to mount a monitor onto the outside of the structure to all guests and club members to observe what is being seen through the telescope within. In addition, Glass noted he hopes to one day see four 10-foot concrete slabs placed around the building to allow for a flat surface for non-mounted telescope use. Glass also hopes to install wooden mounts to allow for secure mounting of binoculars and equipment, especially during night when tripods are easily bumped into and knocked over.

Club members with Glass (left) and Jarrett (right).

Harrison students are able to enjoy the wealth of knowledge both Jarrett and Glass provide, along with the help of fellow Warsaw Astronomical Society member Kurt Eberhardt. Students range from grades 1-6 and are treated to presentations and hands-on activities to help them understand earth’s relationship to the cosmos. In addition, junior observers are able to attend “Star Parties” with their families, instilling both children and adults with a sense of awe and adoration with our solar system.

“When we opened in ’91, myself and staff dreamed to turn the acreage at Harrison into a diverse learning campus. One of the first projects we took on was the Hoosier Heritage house, followed by the greenhouse. When I saw this was going in, I was really excited,” explained WCS School Board member Randy Polston. “When we have teachers work together — and I always say it takes a village to raise a child — the skies truly are the limit.”

Special thanks were given to Century Link, for a $5,000 grant for Classroom of the Stars; Butt & Timmons Construction for the foundation; Drummond Construction for the observatory construction; Sherwin Williams for paint; Cornerstone Paint for paint; WCS Board of Directors and building and grounds; and Kurt Eberhardt, Dan Lippencott and Tom Seaberg, members of the Warsaw Astronomical Society.